Evaluation and Implementation of a Silicone-Based Adhesive Remover in a Pediatric Medical Center

Background:  Removing medical adhesives can oftentimes strip layers of skin, causing injury and pain to the patient.  Using medical adhesive removers in clinical practice can aid in removal of adhesive products and residual adhesive.  Previously -used adhesive remover consisted of a mineral oil base which led to difficulties reapplying products containing adhesive.  Therefore, nurses would have to use additional products on patients to remove oil.   A pediatric wound care nurse searched companies for an adhesive remover that was a safe, efficacious, and cost effective replacement.  Once a suitable product was found, this new adhesive remover was trialed on pediatric patients across several units. 

Purpose:  To evaluate efficacy and cost effectiveness of a silicone- based adhesive remover within a large tertiary free standing children’s hospital in the southwestern United States.

Methods:  A multiple-vendor search was conducted on adhesive removers and their ingredients.  The silicone-based adhesive remover product was presented to the Value Analysis committee and in November 2013 permission was received to trial. Multiple pediatric inpatient units used and evaluated the product.   

Outcomes:  Thirty of 35 total nurse evaluators rated the product favorable, three were neutral, and two were unfavorable. Product evaluations were reviewed with Value Analysis committee; product change was approved.  The silicone-based adhesive remover vendor cross referenced usage based on previous product, replaced inventory with new product, and eventually delivered to nursing units. The silicone-based adhesive remover product was shown to be gentle on skin; using fewer products in skin preparation resulting in cost savings of over $75,000 yearly. 

Implications for practice:  Upon hospital-wide roll out, the new product received wide-range acceptance from nursing staff for ease of use and effectiveness in removing ostomy barriers, tape, duoderm, and excess buildup from adhesive.   Once the silicone based adhesive remover was approved, it was distributed to all units throughout the hospital.